20 Questions with Suzie Foley

Sep. 30, 2013

Written by

Written by Leslie Provence

Photographed by Katie Preuss

Suzie Foley has been the executive director of the Greenville Free Medical Clinic since l999. She has resided in Greenville for 15 years. A magna cum laude graduate of Northeast Louisiana University, Foley received a bachelor’s degree in radio, TV and film management with a minor in journalism. She previously worked in the United Way system for 10 years — eight as executive director in El Dorado, Ark., and two years in the agency allocations and community outreach departments at United Way of Greenville County. Foley was recognized in l995 as one of two national recipients of the United Way of America Small City Executive Award. In 1997 she was named an Arkansas Business Nonprofit Executive of the Year finalist.

Foley has been involved with the Greenville Forward Health Task Force and was a member of Leadership Greenville Class 34. She is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Greenville, and has served on the boards of the Blue Ridge Institute of Southern Community Service Executives, National Association of Free Clinics and the South Carolina Free Clinic Association. She is married and has four grown sons and five grandchildren. Her hobbies include tennis, skiing, travel and photography.

1. Where were you born?

Kirkwood, Mo., a suburb of St. Louis. I spent the next 28 years in Hot Springs and El Dorado, Ark., before moving to Greenville in 1998.

2. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?

I am definitely an extrovert.

3. Is your desk messy or neat?

Definitely not neat. I wouldn’t say messy, but others might! I tend to “file by pile.” I know exactly where my stuff is.

4. What was your first job?

Back in the ’70s, I worked at an AM radio station that played what was called middle of the road standards. They also broadcast all the St. Louis Cardinal baseball games, so I became a fan by default.

5. What is your favorite thing about Greenville?

On our first visit, we absolutely fell in love with downtown. In the 15 years we’ve lived here, it’s only gotten better and better.

6. What was your first car?

A red 1967 Rally Sport Camaro that my brother and I shared, until he wrecked it.

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7. What was your major in college?

My degree is in radio and TV management, with a minor in journalism. Learning to write well is the most important skill I’ve been able to apply in my nonprofit career.

8. What is your idea of a dream vacation?

My husband and I are active travelers, looking for exciting and unique adventures wherever we may venture. Definitely on my bucket list is an extended vacation to Australia and New Zealand.

9. What is the "coolest" experience you have ever had?

I’d have to say flying an ultra-light vehicle over the Victoria Falls in Zambia. I’d describe it as sort of a go-cart with wings. It really took a lot of courage for me to do it, since I’m quite afraid of heights. But it was definitely worth it!

10. What is your favorite thing to cook?

I absolutely love making a big pot of seafood gumbo, with a handed-down recipe from friends in New Orleans. Stirring the roux and simmering all the good stuff — mmm, mmm good.

11. What is your hidden talent?

I’ll bet people didn’t know that I was the Arkansas State Fair cross stitch champion in 1983!

12. What was your favorite subject in school?

My favorite class and favorite teacher was public speaking with Mrs. Shehane.

13. Are you a good dancer?

Yes. I took lessons in tap, ballet and jazz for nearly 20 years. And my husband and I enjoy ballroom dancing.

14. Do you prefer the mountains or the beach?

I’d have to go with the mountains. Especially the Rockies during a great snow season.

15. What are your hobbies?

Travel, tennis, snow skiing, photography.

16. Have you ever met a famous person? Who?

I went to high school with Roger Clinton, and met Bill Clinton several times.

17. What was your last vacation?

We recently returned from a 17-day excursion through Peru, including Machu Picchu and Cusco, the Amazon Basin and Lake Titicaca. I have to say that Machu Picchu is absolutely as stunning and mystical as I hoped it would be and the people of Peru are very warm and welcoming.

18. Do you speak any other languages?

I took French in high school, but definitely am not fluent. I am proud of the fact that I can say “Cheers” in 12 different languages though, including Zulu. It’s oogy wawa for anyone who’s interested!

19. What makes you laugh?

You know it really doesn’t take much at all to make me laugh. I like to find the fun and humor in most situations.

20. What chore do you really hate to do?

I am not a fan of vacuuming. Fortunately, my husband takes that on for me.